Why these three? Because I would like my future synth to be in the 500-1000 euros range and because they have some nice features which are very important to me: Multimode filter, External Audio Input and MIDI-synced LFOs!

I know the FR is much more expensive than the Neptune (with the SEM being in the middle) but they all seem to combine good sound with nice feature set and build quality. Any opinions on how they can be compared?

Last edited by projectwoofer on Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:24 pm, edited 2 times in total.

honestly the new sem smokes them both and is cheaper and better sounding IMO than the XS. The neptune is obviously cheap and well priced but people complain about the oscillators sounding too clean. Also since the netptune isn't semi modular it's not really in the same category, but honestly I would choose the neptune or SEM and spend the rest of the money on effects.

nadafarms wrote:honestly the new sem smokes them both and is cheaper and better sounding IMO than the XS. The neptune is obviously cheap and well priced but people complain about the oscillators sounding too clean. Also since the netptune isn't semi modular it's not really in the same category, but honestly I would choose the neptune or SEM and spend the rest of the money on effects.

Will the SEM's 12db multimode filter self-oscillate with high resonance settings?

I think it's best to chose the semi modular version (MIDIless) of the new SEM and use it with a Kenton Pro Solo MIDI-to-CV converter which also has a very flexible MIDI synced LFO!Honestly though, the new SEM has a really nice sound, maybe better than a Neptune to my ears...now I'm more confused!

the Future Retro XS trumps all in sonic ability but I think all are some of the best mono synths available.

the Neptune II is the best budget emulation of the moog sound I've ever heard.

the SEM has a classic unique sound and the patchable version is awesome. i definitely plan on getting a patchable SEM to go with my XS.

when deciding on my first analog mono synth it came down to these 3 synths. i went with the XS and am completely satisfied. the XS has surpassed all expectations and has offered continuously new sonic discoveries. the XS has so blown me away I am now looking into samplers so i could incorporate some of its truly unique sounds into songs. i plan on programming all the percussion on the XS as well.

The XS will definitely give you better percussion sounds than the other two. I don't think any of these 3 beats out the other. The XS and SEM are the most flexible, the XS being the most wild and unique, the SEM more classic, and the Neptune being more of an all arounder with a warm vintage like vibe.

I would like to get the SEM sometime. I should buy the Neptune and ABC it with my XS and ATC-Xi.

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